State official presents Cuomo agenda to Staten Island community board

Benjamin Lawsky, superintendent of the state Department of Financial Services, addresses Community Board 2's full board meeting at its Sea View headquarters.Staten Island Advance/Kiawana Rich

Gov. Andrew Cuomo is looking to restore New York state as the nation's progressive capital, including rebuilding smarter and better in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, said Benjamin Lawsky, superintendent of the state Department of Financial Services.

Cuomo's ambitious plan was announced during his State of the State address on Jan. 9, and reiterated by Lawsky during Community Board 2's full board meeting Tuesday night inside its Sea View headquarters.

Lawsky's presentation was just one of several statewide aimed at raising local support.

Lawsky said that Cuomo deeply believes that real change in the Legislature in Albany happens on the local level.

"You go to visit the people who talk to their local Assembly members and local senators (first), because when they are home in their district and hear from the community about the change people ... want, that is how you get real change," he said.

Lawsky outlined Cuomo's aims: Increasing jobs and economic growth, continuing fiscal discipline, building a world-class educational system, increasing the minimum wage, achieving equality for women and decriminalizing small quantities of marijuana. He then took questions.

Board member Stephen Zaderiko noted Mayor Michael Bloomberg had rejected consideration of city seawalls for future storm protection, and wanted Cuomo's take on it.

Lawsky said right now "nothing is off the table." He added that Cuomo believes "there will be more storms and the storms are going to be worse and we need to deal with the reality of the situation before it gets more out of control."

Board Chairman Dana Magee noted that a number of board members had homes or businesses seriously damaged or destroyed by Sandy. One of them, Steve Zboinski of Midland Beach, said he wants to participate in the federal buyout program and asked when funding would be available.

Lawsky said the funding had to go through HUD, but "it is coming."

Land Use Chairman Frank Marchiano asked that Lawsky bring back a "a very strong message" to Cuomo about there being no approval from the state DEC to build on borough wetlands.

"It needs to stop," he said.

"Wise advice," said Lawsky.

Other concerns included the economic impact of high bridge tolls, and the difficulty in getting loans/grants for Sandy funding.